Showing posts with label entertaining. Show all posts

Monday, May 11, 2026

Calico Canyon (Petticoats and Cowboys Book 2) by Mary Connealy

A rollicking good book! Grace is running from her adopted father and his cruelty, hiding in Texas, working as a teacher. She gets twisted up with five unruly boys and their father as she has to run for her life. (A truly wild bunch, they're living in a cave.) Entertaining story unfolds, leaving you rolling in laughter as well as sadness and outrage, constantly rooting for them to work it out. Excellent read.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#CalicoCanyon #MaryConnealy #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianWesterns #WildHeartBooks

About the Book

Book: Calico Canyon (Petticoats and Cowboys Book 2) Author: Mary Connealy Genre: Christian Historical Romance Release Date: April 28, 2026 From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a runaway teacher, a bewildered widower, and five rambunctious boys who need a mother whether they want one or not. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer. Grace Calhoun never imagined teaching school in Texas would lead to marriage—especially not to the infuriating Daniel Reeves. When Grace flees her adoptive father’s cruelty by hiding in a stranger’s wagon, the town parson insists on an immediate wedding, leaving Grace trapped in marriage to a stubborn widower with five unruly sons—the very boys who made her teaching job impossible. Daniel Reeves has no intention of risking his heart—or another wife—to childbirth. Still grieving the loss of his first wife, Daniel wants nothing to do with the prim schoolmarm forced into his family. He’ll build her a house and provide for her needs, but he’ll keep his distance. His sons need a mother, but he refuses to fall in love again. Snowed in together for a long Texas winter, walls begin to crumble. As Grace discovers the courage she thought she’d lost, she transforms from a frightened woman on the run to a fierce protector of her new family. The boys who once tormented her become the children of her heart. And the husband who swore to keep his distance? He’s finding it harder each day to resist his spirited wife. But when Grace’s dangerous past catches up to her, she must choose between running again or standing firm in the faith that brought her to Calico Canyon—even if it costs her everything. A tender tale of found family, healing love, and the faithfulness of God in the midst of life’s unexpected turns.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

More from Mary

I think of Calico Canyon as my husband’s life growing up. He is sixth of seven sons. A family of all boys. His mom, my mother-in-law, was the coolest lady I’ve ever known. That woman could handle everything and never be other than sweet and generous and so funny. She’s gone now but for all the years she was in my life, I’d say she was my best friend. All those boys! She was the living embodiment of rolling with the punches and not sweating the small stuff. Those brothers…they are the inspiration for this book but my mother-in-law read it and said, her boys were so much better behaved than those boys in Calico Canyon, and she’s right about that…no boys could be worse than the Reeves boys. This book is the embodiment of the forced marriage. Two people caught in a completely innocent compromising situation. Nothing will do but immediate marriage after Grace spends the night with Daniel. But there were five boys in that cave with us! Not gonna save you, Grace. Grace is a school marm and those boys have been a torment to her ever since they’d shown up at school. Now, due to Grace needing to hide from her abusive, adoptive father, who has tracked her down to this tiny town in Texas, she’d ended up under a tarp over Daniel’s wagon. He takes her home and she has no choice but to stay quiet under that tarp until it’s too late to take her back. The wedding scene from Calico Canyon was, for many years, what I considered the funniest thing I’d ever written. Very hard work to get that scene right. Grace is confused when she’s found with Daniel by the parson. Oh, good. Someone who will give me a ride back to town. The parson is saying the vows. Grace is happy to take a ride. The parson’s wife is urging the parson to hurry. Daniel is trying to put a stop to it. The boys are all horrified to see their hated teacher. Mayhem ensues. It was a lot of fun to get right. Lots of moving parts in that scene. And then a blizzard snows the gap that leads into their canyon shut and they have to spend the winter trying not to kill each other. And of course, falling in love. I hope you enjoy Calico Canyon. The fumbling, clueless cowboy. The innocent, befuddled school marm. The unruly boys who don’t see why she can’t cook and why she won’t go home. The danger, circling the outside of their canyon, waiting for the gap to open so he can avenge himself on the daughter that send him to prison.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 5
For Him and My Family, May 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7
Simple Harvest Reads, May 8 (Guest Review from Donna)
Jeanette’s Thoughts , May 9
Fruitfully Planted, May 10
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 10
Books You Can Feel Good About, May 11
Vicky Sluiter, May 12
Sydney Schmied, May 13
Book Looks by Lisa, May 14
Wishful Endings, May 15
Labor Not in Vain , May 16
Mary Hake, May 16
Cover Lover Book Review, May 17
Holly’s Book Corner, May 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/5MQgR/calico-canyon-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Native Patriot by Pegg Thomas

I need 10 stars for this. Excellently good book. A Lenni Lenape Indian who is a Quaker and an illegitimate girl are part of a camp following in Pennsylvania during the Revolutionary war. Each are not fully accepted by the community yet earn their way through hard work and their nature. Interesting and realistic days in their lives as the war progresses and they have to deal with so much to both survive and fit in, even their own personal prejudices. Their journey of faith also grows as the story progresses. Enriching journey to immerse yourself and travel along with. Fulfilling read.

I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#NativePatriot #PeggThomas #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #SpinnerOfYarns #ChristianHistoricalRomance

Synopsis

A sweeping historical romance set against the authentic backdrop of the Revolutionary War’s Pennsylvania campaign.

More than just blacksmith, Lenni Lenape Mark Running Bear was raised in a Quaker household since the age of ten. His loyalty was to the pacifist community that took him in until the battle brewing around him robbed him of his last link to the past. Mark must make a decision while surrounded by the chaos of a war he never wanted.

Left by her mother with the camp followers of Major General Nathanael Greene, Grace soon learns that danger and hungry eyes follow her even outside of the backstreets of Philadelphia. She trusts no man and never has, but the young Quaker blacksmith helps her several times without asking for anything in return.

As the savage battles of Brandywine, White Horse Tavern, Paoli, and Germantown rage around them, Grace struggles trust and to survive in the world of the military camp while Mark faces an impossible choice: honor his Quaker upbringing of nonviolence, or embrace the warrior heritage flowing through his veins.

In the crucible of America’s fight for independence, two souls must decide if love is worth fighting for—or if the divisions between their worlds are too great to overcome.

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Sunday, March 8, 2026

Lady Codebreaker by K.D. Alden

Incredible depth into history from Prohibition through WW2. Fascinating story of a woman genius who can decipher coded from messages all over the world yet is not accepted because she's not male. Newspaper jumble puzzles are nothing compared to this. She meets and eventually marries another brilliant codebreaker and ends up heading up her own very successful team, yet the credit is taken by others. These people were invaluable to winning the war. Many lives and a lot of money were saved because of them. A very fully dimensional Grace painfully transitions through different roles at work and in her personal life. Formidable foes, threats and danger.

I received this book free from the author and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#LadyCodebreaker #KDAlden #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #HistoricalFiction #NetGalley

Synopsis

Fans of Kate Quinn and Kristina McMorris will love this gripping historical novel based on the true story of the woman who used her codebreaking skills to bring down Prohibition gangsters and WWII Nazis, and who ultimately helped found the present-day CIA.

Grace Smith has never been one to conform to society’s expectations. She flees small-town Indiana to seek adventure—and finds more than she bargained for when she’s hired by an eccentric millionaire to learn codebreaking. Soon she’s using those skills to help head the government’s fledgling cryptanalysis unit.

During Prohibition, Grace takes up the fight against rumrunners—not to mention Al Capone himself. And as the country careens from one Great War to another, it’s Grace who must crack the secrets of foreign governments, catch spies, and derail saboteurs . . . before it’s too late.

With wry wit and sheer grit, she forges her own path as a codebreaker, wife, mother. She’s spent a lifetime going up against powerful men and winning. But as war rages and the stakes grow impossibly high, Grace faces a truly impossible choice: her family or her country?

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Hearts in Bloom: A Regency Anthology (Regency Anthologies)

Cozy book with 5 stand-alone recency romances. Sweet, clean stories of first loves and the obstacles they encounter along their way to realizing their love. I have a soft spot for the librarian and the town's anonymous Valentine sender, but each tale is special in its own old-fashioned way. A great addition to your library or a beautiful gift.

entertaining, realistic, easy-to-read, page-turner, romantic, happily-ever-after, wonderful-characters, original

@evershirepublishing @KLynSmith @RosanneELortz @CarolineWarfield @GLRobinson

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Wednesday, October 29, 2025

The Earl's Courtship of Hope: Historical Christian Romance (Brides of the Regency Book 2)

Greatly entertaining characters. Sophia is trying to get through her last season without getting married. Her subterfuge usually worked quite well to repel. Richard is a rogue. Her overhears Sophia's opinion of him and decides to change, apologize to all the women he had wronged and set things right with them. Sophia and Richard get together in the most interesting, twisting journey. The delightfulness of them both and the slightly steamy romance make it hard to put the book down. Genuine feelings come through and enrich the experience. Very, very good read.

I received this book free from the author and Book Sirens book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheEarlsCourtshipOfHope #BookSirens #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #GraceRomance #HistoricalChristianRomance #IsabelJacobs

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Monday, October 20, 2025

Clara and the Cowboy by Erica Vetsch

Fast moving western. Clara came home from finishing school hoping to get closer to her friend Alex. He doesn't feel worthy because of his past but had been brought to faith by Clara and her mother. Romantic struggles evolve as a plot is gradually uncovered about the disappearance of cattle and horses from the ranch. Nicely told story that unfolds beautifully. Easy-to-read, romantic, wonderful-characters, original, realistic, page-turner, entertaining.

I received this book free from the authors, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ClaraAndTheCowboy #EricaVetsch #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistorcalRomance #WildHeartBooks

About the Book

Book: Clara and the Cowboy

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: October 13, 2025

She’s the rancher’s daughter. He’s the reformed outlaw who became her father’s foreman. Love was never part of the plan.

Clara Bainbridge has loved Alec for years, long before she left for finishing school in Boston. And though she is convinced he loves her too, he seems determined to push her away now that she’s back. So when the handsome stranger who protects her during a stagecoach robbery reveals that he is her new neighbor, Clara begins to wonder if accepting his suit might be wiser than waiting for Alec.

Ranch foreman Alec McConnell has worked hard to overcome his criminal past and prove himself worthy of Colonel Bainbridge’s trust. When cattle start disappearing from the Cross B Ranch, Alec’s checkered past makes him the prime suspect. He must catch the real rustlers to clear his name, but his growing feelings for the Colonel’s daughter, Clara, threaten to undo everything he’s built. How can he protect her when his very presence in her life could destroy her reputation?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

Did you, like me, grow up watching westerns on tv? I watched often in reruns as the heyday of the TV Western was waning about the time I was born. But I watched Gunsmoke, The Big Valley, Bonanza, Have Gun, Will Travel, The Rifleman, Wagon Train, The Virginian, and more.

And so grew my love of the old west, of cowboys, cattle drives, frontier justices, and rolling tumbleweeds.

I also read westerns. Zane Grey, Louis L’Amour, Abel Shott (Yes, that was the pen name of the man who wrote the series called Solo Strand: The Silver Kid.) I was a firm believer in The Code of the West.

So, when it came time to write my own ‘cowboy book’ I took much inspiration from the screen and the page.

Clara and the Cowboy is the story of Alec and Clara, a cowboy and the ranch owner’s daughter. There’s cattle rustling, gunplay, good vs. evil, a damsel in distress…all the best parts of western classic lore. I had such fun writing it, influenced by those who had written the genre before me.

The setting was chosen (Southwest Idaho) because of a series of books I had read as a teen, written by Glenn Balch, about a ranching family near Nampa, ID. I’ve never been to that part of the US, but I felt as if I had because I read those books (many times!)

As I look back on the hours I spent watching classic westerns on tv and reading western fiction, I’m reminded of the impact they had on my life. How they taught that good and evil exist in the world, and that it takes bravery to stand up and do the right thing. I learned that honor and integrity do not come without cost, and that actions have consequences.

Who would have thought that watching a rerun of The Big Valley would instill a desire to embrace the cowboy culture through my own fiction?

I hope you enjoy reading Clara and the Cowboy, and that perhaps it takes you back to your own childhood of rooting for the man in the white hat to get the girl he loves before the credits roll.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, October 14
Book Looks by Lisa, October 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 16
For Him and My Family, October 17
Devoted Steps, October 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 18
Devoted To Hope, October 18
Simple Harvest Reads, October 19 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Fiction Book Lover, October 20 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 20
lakesidelivingsite, October 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 21
She Lives to Read, October 22
Pens Pages & Pulses, October 22
Books Less Travelled, October 23
Blossoms and Blessings, October 23
Life on Chickadee Lane, October 24
Cover Lover Book Review, October 24
Bizwings Blog, October 25
Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 25
Pause for Tales, October 26
Holly’s Book Corner, October 26
Jodie Wolfe, October 27
Vicky Sluiter, October 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://sweepwidget.com/c/93121-hnry6w4b

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Monday, October 6, 2025

On A Midnight Clear: A 3-in-1 Christmas Novella Collection

Can we do 10 stars? A REALLY special group of love and faith stories that will leave you sighing and feeling awwww. As you read wrap yourself in love and enjoy getting to know these wonderful characters and their stories. A lovely way to enjoy your time, something to look forward to whenever you pick it up.

I received this book free from the authors, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#OnAMidnightClear #TraciePeterson #KarenWitemeyer #MistyMBeller #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistorcalRomance #BethanyHousePublishers

easy-to-read, romantic, wonderful-characters, original, realistic, page-turner, entertaining

About the Book

Book: On a Midnight Clear: A 3-in-1 Christmas Novella Collection

Authors: Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 5, 2025

Can they find a place to put their hearts and hope this Christmas?

Beloved authors Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, and Karen Witemeyer come together with this festive novella collection inspired by the Nativity story and filled with faith, promise, and romance.

The Shepherd’s Heart by Tracie Peterson
On the frontier, widowed sheep rancher Vincent Duran seeks a mother for his two children. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him despite believing Vincent will never truly love her, but as they work together during a fierce winter storm, will their broken hearts finally find peace, joy, and love?

No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller
When Noah Bentwood and his charge are snowed in while traveling through the Rocky Mountains, he must stay in a barn since the stage inn has no vacant rooms. Then innkeeper Hope Palmer’s family heirloom disappears, and she and Noah work together to find it before Christmas. While the snowfall holds them captive, will unexpected feelings bloom?

A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer
Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?

Rediscover the joy of Christmas with these faith-based historical romances from bestselling authors featuring sweet Western frontier stories with themes of marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and friends-to-more.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, with more than 6 million copies sold. Learn more at TraciePeterson.com.

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories woven through with the truth of God’s love. Learn more at MistyMBeller.com.

Bestselling and award–winning author Karen Witemeyer pens historical romance with a flair for humor and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Learn more at KarenWitemeyer.com.

More from Misty

When Friends Join Forces…Magic Happens!

For me, teaming up with my dear friends Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer has created pure Christmas magic!

Ever since I was young, Christmas stories have held a special place in my heart. There’s something truly enchanting about the season—the warmth, joy, and love that seem to fill the air. And when you combine that with the charm of a good story? It’s absolutely irresistible! Can you relate?

I’ve also long been a HUGE fan of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer. Their books have been favorites of mine for years, and I’ve read so many of them multiple times. The chance to join them on this Christmas novella collection, On a Midnight Clear, has been a dream come true in every way.

If you love Christmas books as much as I do, you won’t want to miss On a Midnight Clear. This collection is our holiday gift to you, our readers—stories filled with the wonder of the season, unforgettable characters, and the timeless message of love and hope.

We hope these novellas bring the same joy and warmth to your heart as they brought to ours while writing them.

So, curl up with your favorite blanket, grab a cup of cocoa, and let the magic of On a Midnight Clear transport you to a world of Christmas cheer.

Merry Christmas reading!

Misty

Blog Stops

Library’s Lady Kid Lit, September 30
Madi’s Musings, September 30
The Avid Reader, October 1
lakesidelivingsite, October 1
Simple Harvest Reads, October 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 2
Pens Pages & Pulses, October 2
Inkwell Inspirations, October 2
Devoted To Hope, October 3
Leslie’s Library Escape, October 3
By the Book, October 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 4
Devoted Steps, October 4
Texas Book-aholic, October 5
Maureen’s Musings, October 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 6
She Lives To Read, October 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 7
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 8
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 8
For Him and My Family, October 9
Blogging With Carol, October 9
Vicky Sluiter, October 10
Pause for Tales, October 10
Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 10
Stories By Gina, October 11 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, October 11
Bizwings Blog, October 12
Life on Chickadee Lane, October 12
Cover Lover Book Review, October 12
Holly’s Book Corner, October 13
Blossoms and Blessings, October 13
The Bookish Pilgrim, October 13

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Tracie, Karen, and Misty are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92784-eg7nu2a1

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Thursday, October 2, 2025

Christmas Mail Order Brides Anthology

Three lovely stories, all unique except for the Matchmaker. Each have their own reasons for or to become mail order brides, each has special circumstances. Wonderful characters, perfectly written. Fun to read, a wonderful way to spend your time before or over the holidays. Loved this book!

I received this book free from the authors, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ChristmasMailOrderBrides #CarrieTuransky #VickieMcDonough #SusanPageDavis #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistorcalRomance #WildHeartBooks

About the Book

Book: Christmas Mail Order Brides, Anthology

Authors: Vickie McDonough, Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Marriage arrives by mail-order—just in time for Christmas.

Ride the transcontinental railroad as three mail-order brides head west in search of new futures. Annika arrives in Wyoming to discover her intended groom is missing. Jolie’s journey to Nevada is derailed by disaster, and Amelia travels to California to wrap up her final attempts at matchmaking. Will the holiday season be the ticket to spark love in unexpected ways?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas. Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have five grown children and twelve grandchildren who bring them much joy. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her walking around the lake near her home, working in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or leading women’s ministry at her church.

Susan Page Davis is the author of more than 100 published novels and novellas in the romance, mystery, historical, and romantic suspense genres. She’s a winner of the Carol Award, Will Rogers Medallion, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award, and a finalist in the Selah Awards and Willa Literary Awards. A Maine native, she now lives in western Kentucky with her husband, Jim.

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

Bringing a Swedish Christmas to the American West

By Carrie Turansky

In my novella, A Trusting Heart, part of the Christmas Mail-Order Brides Collection, Annika Bergstrom, who is originally from Sweden, leaves her home in Chicago and travels to the rugged Wyoming Territory in 1880 to marry a man she’s never met. Though she carries only a small trunk, she brings with her something far more meaningful—cherished Christmas traditions from her homeland.

Swedish Christmas celebrations begin early with the first Sunday of Advent. Annika remembers her mother lighting a candle each week leading up to Christmas, filling their home with warmth and anticipation. In her new Wyoming home, she lights a candle, longing for connection and clinging to faith and hope as she begins this new chapter of life.

December 13 brings one of the most beloved Swedish traditions—St. Lucia Day. In Sweden, the youngest daughter dresses in a white gown with a red sash and wears a crown of candles, waking her family with coffee and saffron buns. Annika lovingly bakes these sweet rolls with her intended’s daughter, hoping it will draw them all closer.

As Christmas Eve—Julafton—arrives, Annika prepares a modest version of a Swedish smörgåsbord: roasted ham, root vegetables, and creamy rice pudding. She hides an almond in the pudding, smiling as everyone at the table eagerly searches their bowls. According to Swedish tradition, the one who finds the almond will marry in the coming year. Laughter and joy fill the room, and Annika feels a growing sense of belonging with her new family.

Swedish traditions add depth and richness to A Trusting Heart, reminding us that wherever we go, the light of Christmas can shine brightly—especially when carried by a trusting heart.

We hope you’ll enjoy reading Christmas Mail-Order Brides which includes three novellas: The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough, A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky, and Mrs. Mayberry Meets Her Match by Susan Page Davis. Each heartwarming story that will transport you back to a joyful, old-fashioned Christmas.